Spartan Spring Preview

The 2023 spring athletics season is underway! Here’s a preview of our spring teams and the outlook for our Spartans.

Baseball

Head Coach Rob Thompson is excited about the 2023 SPA baseball team as they return All-Conference honoree Griffin Schwab-Mahoney ’24 as well as All-Conference Honorable Mention honoree, Tommy Verhey ’23 in addition to players who gained valuable experience last year. Both Griffin and Tommy will serve as captains this season along with junior, John Christakos ‘24.

Boys’ Golf

Expectations are high for Spartan boys’ golf this season as the team returns a strong group of players from last year’s second-place IMAC finish. Led by All-Conference performer and captain, George Peltier ‘23, SPA also returns All-Conference Honorable Mention honorees Connor Overgaard ‘24 and Ethan Peltier ’25 with Connor coming off his first state tournament appearance. With twenty-five players in the program this year, Head Coach Chris Pope is excited about his returning core of players and is looking forward to developing new talent while staying competitive in the IMAC conference.

Girls’ Golf

The SPA girls’ golf team begins the 2023 season by welcoming ten new golfers and five returners to this year’s squad. Led by captain and All-Conference honoree, Nikola Barkwell ’23, the team will also host the first-ever girls’ SPA Invitational tournament at Somerset Golf Club in early May. This 18-hole event will include participants from five local schools and all of our SPA golfers.


Boys’ Lacrosse

Comprised of players from seven different area schools, the TriMAC Blackhawks Boys’ Lacrosse team is gearing up for another season. Head Coach Ben MacLean says this year’s team is strong and eager to build off last year’s success; Coach MacLean will rely heavily on Team Captain and All-Conference performer Joey Stolpestad ‘23 for leadership and experience this season.

Girls’ Lacrosse

In just the program’s second year, SPA lacrosse continues to grow its presence in the lacrosse community. The team returns experienced captains, Julia Colbert ’23, Charlotte Goings ’24, and Ivy Raya ’23 as well as many other talented players to lead this year’s squad. Head coach Taylor Tvedt looks forward to building on last year’s success and growing a culture that fosters a positive, fun, and family-oriented community. 

Softball

With strong players and many returning athletes from the 2022 season, including captains Greta Magnuson ‘23 and Lela Tilney-Kaemmer ’23, along with All-Conference performer, Tamari Christopher ’27, Head Coach Lauren Janssen will look to build a competitive team within the IMAC conference and is excited for competition to begin.

Boys’ Tennis

SPA Tennis enters the 2023 season as the defending Class A State Champions with high hopes for another run at section and state titles. With a host of players returning from last year’s state team, including team captains Leo Benson ‘24, Baasit Mahmood ’24, and Maik Nguyen ‘24, the team is experienced and poised for another exceptional season.

Track & Field

SPA Track and Field begins the 2023 season with hopes of consistent improvement and personal bests. Willie Taylor is excited about what he returns in All-Conference honoree, Maren Overgaard ’26 and All-Conference Honorable Mention honorees Clare Ryan Bradley ‘26, Julia Taylor ‘25, and Oliver Thompson ’25. Team captains this season will be Ray Guo ‘23, Carys Hardy ‘24, Calvin He ‘23, Bridget Keel ‘24, and Becca Richman ‘23.